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El Paso County pushing DA for investigation of Sheriff's Office

By Matt SteinerThe Gazette

Posted:
06/21/2014 10:48:07 AM MDT

Updated:
06/21/2014 11:19:30 AM MDT

COLORADO SPRINGS — Specific allegations of criminal conduct within the El Paso County Sheriff's Office documented by county attorney Diana May were expected to be sent this week to the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, according to letters between the two offices obtained by The Gazette.

A letter Tuesday, Diana May urged District Attorney Dan May to actively pursue an investigation now because the county's investigation is focused on workplace misconduct.

"Waiting for the employment investigation to conclude before opening a criminal investigation may allow applicable statutes of limitations to expire," Diana May wrote.

The county's investigation began in mid-May after complaints were filed accusing Sheriff Terry Maketa of sexual improprieties, discrimination, removing most oversight of the Sheriff's Office budget and creating a hostile work environment. As of this week, nine claims have been filed with the county seeking $3.9 million in damages.